When Words Get in the Way
“A man who speaks fastidiously will often lose the attention of his listener.”
The above quote was said by…no one. I never said it and no one ever said it to me, but it’s a true statement. I begin this post with that quote to make a point, a point that may be difficult to understand…only because at this moment you’re still wondering what “fastidiously” means. And even if you do know what it means, you’re still wondering why I chose to use that word instead of a more common word that most people know. Or perhaps you have other questions in mind? Am I trying to show off my vocabulary? Do I think I’m special because I know some fancy words? Should you also begin to learn new words in order to impress other people?
The problem with these questions in your mind is that they have nothing to do with what I’m talking about (fastidious talkers). I have an opinion to share with you but you’re no longer thinking about it. You’re no longer listening to me. Your attention has been derailed….not by someone else’s comment…not by some noise or some shiny object behind me, but rather, you’re distracted because of a word I chose to use. Words are mainly what we use to express ourselves and make a point, but it is often a poor choice of words that causes others to miss that point. It makes the listener think about something else or it makes them think about…words. To communicate well with others, this is a distraction we should avoid.
